Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Difficulty at the Beginning

Want a reading, based on the wisdom of the I Ching Book of Changes, about a difficult beginning in your life or work?

Jot down the topic you're curious about.

Pick a number between 1 and 6.

Read the post, +/or scroll down to see the advice that corresponds with your number....

Intersection (markers) Jude Spacks 2011

After the sluggishness of a creative mud season, what a relief to get a fresh start! Bright, sparkly, new ideas jostle for attention. The mind zips around like a crazed puppy, trying to sniff everything at once.

In this phase of beginning anything, so much is in flux. We may feel scattered and breathless at the variety of all that wants to zing into being. The strands of different possibilities intersect and tangle with each other, making it hard to see which comes before what, and who's next.

When you're blessed with a springtime of creative growth like this, how can you skillfully handle the confusion and chaos that may roll in with it?

The I Ching suggests we "arrange and organize the inchoate profusion of such times of beginning, just as one sorts out silk threads from a knotted tangle."(Wilhem/Baynes). We need persistence, patience, and a delicate, sensitive touch to help things sort themselves out. Sometimes the best way forward is to hold back from seeking quick results.

"Restless action interferes with the creative process unfolding. If we can persevere in non-action and disengagement, the Creative will resolve everything correctly."--A Guide to the I Ching,(Hexagram 3, Difficulty at the Beginning) by Carol Anthony

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Want a reading about a difficult beginning in your life or work?

So, did you think of a topic you're curious about?

And did you pick a number between 1 and 6? Great. Now:

Read the advice below corresponding to the number you picked.

Keeping an open mind, can you see how this might apply to your situation?

1. If you meet a hindrance, don't act just for the sake of action. Dissolve inner obstacles within your beliefs and attitudes. Without abandoning your goal, pause, take thought, and don't be too proud to ask for help.

2. In the midst of challenges, something unexpected happens. You truly can't tell if it's a windfall or a set-back. Be cautious about premature solutions. Don't give in to pressure to make a deal that might compromise your integrity and independence.

3. You will not be able to find your way without more perspective. This isn't a time to try to wing it or slide by. For now, stop seeking resolution, ask for spiritual guidance, and wait for clarity.

4. Relax pride and take the risk of being the first to reach out for a connection. You need help in order to make real progress; there's no shame in this. Collaborate. All goes well.

5. Your good intentions are being misunderstood; explaining them won't help. For now, continue in the background without making a big deal out of it. Take one small step at a time, until the situation gradually clears up and the way opens to proceeding on a larger scale.6. It seems like you're not getting anywhere and the difficulties are too great. You're understandably discouraged. It's natural that sometimes things just don't work out. But do not indulge in an attitude of resignation and defeat. Rid yourself of the effort to shore up any self-image. You have nothing to prove.

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"Times
of growth are beset with difficulties....But these difficulties arise
from the very profusion of all that is struggling to attain form.
Everything is in motion: therefore if one perseveres there is a prospect
of great success, in spite of the existing danger."--I Ching Book of Changes (Hexagram 3, Difficulty at the Beginning)Wilhelm/Baynes trans

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Could you use some help with further untangling your mind about something?

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